Sweet Potatoes and Spicy Chorizo Stew Recipe

Introduction

This Sweet Potatoes and Spicy Chorizo Stew is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for cozy dinners. Combining tender sweet potatoes with robust chorizo and aromatic herbs, it delivers a satisfying balance of spice and sweetness in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 2 pounds or 1 kilo)
• 1 large yellow onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 to 2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
• 2 to 2½ pounds pork chorizo sausages, bulk casing removed (about 7 large sausages)
• 1 can tomato paste (7 ounces or 200 grams)
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• Black pepper, to taste
• 3 cups water (only if using the Instant Pot)

Instructions

1. Step 1: For slow cooker: Cover the base of a slow cooker (at least 6-quart) with olive oil. Arrange the garlic, sweet potatoes, yellow onion, and red bell pepper in the base. Season the vegetables with 1 teaspoon of salt.
2. Step 2: Place the chorizo meat on top of the vegetables. Add the tomato paste. Fill the empty tomato paste can with fresh water and pour over the ingredients.
3. Step 3: Season the meat with salt, dried basil, and dried rosemary. Stir everything gently with a large wooden spoon to combine well. Add black pepper generously.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors meld.
5. Step 5: For Instant Pot: Press “sauté” and warm olive oil in the pot. Add garlic and onions, cook and stir for 10 seconds.
6. Step 6: Add sweet potatoes and red bell pepper, season with 1 teaspoon salt, cook and stir for 2 minutes. Press “keep warm/cancel.”
7. Step 7: Add the chorizo, remaining salt, basil, and rosemary. Stir in tomato paste and 3 cups water. Season with black pepper.
8. Step 8: Place the lid on the Instant Pot, seal the steam release valve, select the “meat stew” setting. It will take 7 to 10 minutes to reach pressure before cooking.
9. Step 9: When cooking is complete, quickly release pressure. Once safe, carefully open the lid and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For milder heat, choose a mild chorizo or partially remove the casing to reduce spiciness.
• Adding a splash of smoked paprika enhances the smoky flavor of the stew.
• Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash for a different texture and sweetness.
• Serve with crusty bread or over rice to make it extra filling.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This stew also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried basil and rosemary?

Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of dried herbs with about 3 tablespoons of fresh herbs. Add fresh herbs towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.

Is it possible to make this stew vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, omit the chorizo and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or extra bell peppers. You can also add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky depth.

Sweet Potatoes and Spicy Chorizo Stew Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 509 reviews

This Sweet Potatoes and Spicy Chorizo Stew is a hearty, bursting-with-flavor dish combining the sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with the spicy, savory richness of pork chorizo. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, basil, and rosemary, it can be prepared in a slow cooker for a hands-off meal or an Instant Pot for quick results, delivering a comforting and satisfying stew perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours (Slow Cooker) or 20 minutes total (Instant Pot including pressure time)
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (Slow Cooker) or 35 minutes (Instant Pot)
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 2 pounds or 1 kilo)
• 1 large yellow onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 to 2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary

Protein and Others

• 2 to 2 ½ pounds pork chorizo sausages, casing removed (about 7 large sausages)
• 1 can tomato paste (7 ounces or 200 grams)
• 3 cups water (only if using the Instant Pot)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base: Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your chosen cooking appliance—either a slow cooker or an Instant Pot set to sauté mode. This will help evenly cook your aromatics and vegetables.
2. Sauté Aromatics (Instant Pot Method): Once the olive oil is warm in the Instant Pot, add the chopped garlic and yellow onion. Stir and cook for about 10 seconds to release their flavors.
3. Add Vegetables: Incorporate the cubed sweet potatoes and chopped red bell pepper into your pot. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and cook, stirring for 2 minutes in the Instant Pot. If using a slow cooker, simply layer these vegetables at the base and season with salt.
4. Add Chorizo and Seasonings: Place the bulk chorizo meat over the vegetables. Season the meat with the remaining salt, dried basil, dried rosemary, and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly, especially in the slow cooker.
5. Add Tomato Paste and Liquids: Spread the can of tomato paste over the mixture. For the Instant Pot, add 3 cups of water to aid pressure cooking. For slow cooker, fill the empty tomato paste can with fresh water and pour over the ingredients.
6. Cook the Stew: Slow cooker users should cover and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours, allowing flavors to meld beautifully. Instant Pot users should seal the lid with the steam release valve set to sealing and select the ‘meat stew’ setting, which will take about 7 to 10 minutes to come to pressure and then cook.
7. Release and Serve: Once the cooking cycle completes, perform a quick pressure release with the Instant Pot, carefully opening the lid once the pressure indicator drops. Slow cooker stew can be served hot directly after cooking finishes. Serve the stew immediately with a fresh salad on the side for a delicious meal.

Notes

• You can adjust the amount of salt and black pepper to suit your taste preferences.
• If using a slow cooker, the layering technique is important to ensure even cooking of ingredients.
• To make this stew spicier, consider adding a pinch of red chili flakes or substituting the red bell pepper with a hotter pepper.
• The recipe is flexible to be made entirely in the Instant Pot or slow cooker depending on time and appliance availability.
• Serving the stew with a fresh salad adds a nice contrast and balances the heartiness of the dish.
• Be cautious of the chorizo’s saltiness when adding seasonings; taste and adjust accordingly.

Keywords: sweet potatoes, chorizo, spicy stew, slow cooker recipe, Instant Pot recipe, comforting stew, pork chorizo, tomato paste stew